Inklingo

How to Say "town council" in Spanish

English → Spanish

ayuntamiento

/a-yoon-tah-myen-toh//a.ʝun.taˈmjen.to/

nounB1
Use 'ayuntamiento' when referring to the municipal government or the building where it is housed, as it is the most common and general term for a town's governing body.
A simple illustration showing five characters sitting around a large table, engaged in a formal meeting, representing a governing body.

Examples

El ayuntamiento ha aprobado nuevas medidas de seguridad vial.

The town council has approved new road safety measures.

El ayuntamiento ha votado a favor de construir un nuevo parque.

The city council has voted in favor of building a new park.

Necesitamos presionar al ayuntamiento para que arreglen las calles.

We need to pressure the local government to fix the streets.

Singular Noun, Collective Meaning

Even though 'ayuntamiento' refers to many people (the council members), it is a singular masculine noun, so it takes singular verbs: 'El ayuntamiento decidió' (The council decided).

concejo

/kon-SEH-ho//konˈθexo/

nounB2formal
Opt for 'concejo' when referring specifically to the council members or the deliberative body itself, often implying a more formal or legislative function, especially when paired with 'municipal'.
A group of community members sitting around a large wooden table in a formal hall, discussing local matters.

Examples

El concejo municipal se reunirá la próxima semana para discutir el presupuesto.

The town council will meet next week to discuss the budget.

El concejo municipal votó a favor del nuevo parque.

The town council voted in favor of the new park.

Los miembros del concejo se reúnen cada primer lunes de mes.

The council members meet every first Monday of the month.

Asturias está dividida administrativamente en setenta y ocho concejos.

Asturias is administratively divided into seventy-eight municipalities.

Singular for groups

Even though a 'concejo' is made up of many people, the word is singular. Use 'el concejo es' (the council is) rather than 'el concejo son'.

The 'C' for City

A great way to remember the spelling: 'Concejo' with a 'c' refers to the City/Council, whereas 'Consejo' with an 's' refers to a Suggestion (advice).

Confusing 'Concejo' with 'Consejo'

Mistake: “Le pedí un concejo a mi padre.”

Correction: Le pedí un consejo a mi padre (I asked my father for advice). Use 'concejo' only for local government bodies.

Ayuntamiento vs. Concejo

Learners often confuse 'ayuntamiento' and 'concejo' because both refer to local government. Remember that 'ayuntamiento' is the broader term, often including the building, while 'concejo' more specifically denotes the council as a deliberative body.

Related Translations

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